Nourish and inspire yourself on this week-long women's writing retreat in Puerto Morelos, a quiet fishing village on the Mayan Riviera, one half hour south of Cancun, Mexico.

Our home for the week is Villas Shanti, situated across the road from the beach and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Overlooking a tiled courtyard and fresh water pool, each villa offers double accommodations, private bath with shower, kitchenette, ceiling fan and air-conditioning. Daily maid service and bottled water are provided.

The retreat is for beginning as well as seasoned writers who wish to explore and express themselves through writing, reading aloud and giving/ receiving gentle feedback. Morning and early afternoon writing sessions take place daily. Certain evenings will also be set aside for open readings and feedback on any writing projects participants wish to share.

What else to do? Lounge by the pool, walk on the beach, snooze in a hammock in the palapa. Sign up for daily early morning yoga with Chelsea Latham, trained in India by Guru Soorya Raviji. Swim, scuba dive or snorkel in the calm Caribbean waters, home to the second largest barrier reef in the world. The town of Puerto Morelos, a 10-minute walk, has shops and several moderately-priced restaurants where fresh fish is the specialty. Body work and sightseeing trips are also available by appointment.

The cost of $1,300 includes 7 nights' semi-private lodging, 12 writing sessions, a bountiful daily brunch, and dinners the night of arrival and the night prior to departure. All taxes are included.

Space is limited, so please register early. A non-refundable deposit of $350 is due upon registration, with the balance of $950 due by February 15, 2015.

Joan Lee Hunter has been leading writing workshops focused on self-exploration, creative expression and spiritual growth for over 20 years. She is the owner of Fifth House Lodge Writers Retreat in Maine.

Costs

$1,300 includes 7 nights' semi-private lodging, all writing sessions, a bountiful daily brunch, and dinners the night of arrival and the night prior to departure. All taxes are included.